“We are viewing Ukraine’s decision to deploy its battalion in Kuwait as having a positive influence on the Ukrainian-American relationship in a broader sense,” Stephen Pifer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and former US ambassador to Ukraine, stressed during a videoconference with Ukrainian journalists. He also pointed up Ukraine’s considerable contribution to international security. The American diplomat’s words were predictable to some extent. Early in the year, in his address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington he called on those present not to be haunted by the Kolchuga affair, but to work further on the development of the relationship between the two countries. However, Washington has still not shelved the Kolchuga affair. “In this respect, there is no complete understanding between the governments of the US and Ukraine,” Mr. Pifer said.
Understanding was reached, however, in a different sphere connected with the Iraq War. Ukraine’s decision to join the coalition supporting the unconditional disarmament of Iraq pleased the American higher-ups. However, the American diplomat still had to explain whether Ukraine’s joining the coalition means that the Ukrainian battalion will be involved in combat operations. Many found it difficult to understand why Ukraine supported a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis and then sided with the countries that in fact support the war on Iraq. According to Stephen Pifer, the coalition includes almost fifty countries. The military of only two countries is participating in combat operations on Iraqi territory, the US and Great Britain. “We mean the numerous countries that stated that they are ready to be called members of the coalition. These are countries that have one way or another contributed to the efforts aimed at destroying Iraq’s arms of mass destruction,” the American diplomat stressed. He underscored that joining the coalition does not entail providing military support. Some countries deployed their military units but not to wage war, while others provided their airspace for coalition aircraft. Meanwhile, some countries, Ukraine included, have dispatched their forces to aid civilians, should Iraq resort to weapons of mass destruction. Thus, coalition members have different stands and assignments, but they are united by the common goal of disarming Iraq.
When asked whether the US will table the Kolchuga affair now that Ukraine has dispatched its battalion to Kuwait, Stephen Pifer deflected the question as befits a diplomat, saying, “I wouldn’t put it that way...” He also commented on the article carried in Newsweek alleging that Ukrainian traders were involved in the sales of antitank Cornet missiles to Iraq. Mr. Pifer said that the US “shared its concern with the Russian government on this issue.” According to him, Washington did not turn for comment to Ukraine. Incidentally, official Kyiv denies the allegations.
